Liverpool is reportedly gearing up to make a move for Napoli's prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, as they look to outmaneuver rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for his signature.
The Reds have expressed a strong interest in the Nigerian forward and are considering pressuring the player's agent to postpone fresh contract negotiations with Napoli, according to recent reports.
Since his transfer to Napoli from Lille in September 2020, Osimhen has elevated his game to new heights, earning a reputation as one of the world's premier center-forwards.
Over 111 appearances for the Serie A club, he has contributed a remarkable 65 goals and 15 assists, firmly establishing himself as a goal-scoring machine.
The striker's standout season came in the previous campaign, where he netted an impressive 31 goals in 39 appearances, aiding Napoli in clinching their first Scudetto since the era of Diego Maradona and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Despite his current contract with Napoli running until 2025, the prospect of an extension remains unsigned.
Notably, the relationship between the Super Eagle and Napoli experienced some turbulence recently when the club inexplicably mocked the striker on TikTok.
In response to this, Napoli issued a statement clarifying their intentions, insisting that they did not intend to “offend or mock Osimhen,” referring to him as a “club treasure.”
Liverpool targets Napoli's Victor Osimhen amid Arsenal and Chelsea rivalry
While Chelsea, led by manager Mauricio Pochettino, has Osimhen at the top of their wishlist to bolster their attack, it appears Liverpool is also keen on the Nigerian striker.
Valder De Maggio, the director of Radio Kiss Kiss, a prominent Napoli-based radio outlet, emphasized Liverpool's strong interest in Osimhen.
“There is strong, strong interest in Liverpool for Victor Osimhen. Then it will have to be seen whether the Reds will put pressure on Osimhen's agent not to renew or not.”
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has cautioned Chelsea, suggesting that securing Osimhen's services would necessitate “another record transfer fee.”
He noted, “At this moment, he is sad but I don't think he will force a move through.
“I know he is on top of Chelsea's list, and they wanted him in January, but it's difficult to convince Napoli to sell him.
“Napoli wanted £200 million during the summer, and maybe he will go down to require £150 million, but on the other hand, everything is possible at Chelsea.
“If they want a player, they can get him, but they would need to make another record transfer fee.”
Acquiring Victor would undoubtedly be a game-changer for Liverpool's forward line.
The 24-year-old's prolific scoring ability and versatility have the potential to rival the feats of Erling Haaland in the English Premier League.
With Liverpool considering a move, the competition for Victor Osimhen's signature promises to be intense, and it will be interesting to see which club ultimately secures his services.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
